With thoughts of patriotism in our minds around the Fourth of July, why not  teach our children more about the Service Flags for military personnel serving, injured or killed?  These window or service flags are part of our history and originated to commemorate soldiers in World War I, sometimes called The Great War.
I found one in my grandmother’s memorabilia trunk.  It represented her son, my Uncle Charles, who served in that war and came back alive.  These flags, a blue star on white background surrounded by a red border hung in the windows of families who had a member fighting for …read more

Even though Memorial Day is celebrated today, instead of on the actual date of May 30, we’ll still see many parades, patriotic celebrations and family gatherings.  Young and old will be watching if they’re not marching.  Some towns hold other festivities and recognition of the men and women who have fought to keep our country free.
When I was a youngster, veterans’ service to our country was well recognized and not criticized as we appreciated being free.  I lived during the years of World War II and knew about black-outs, bomb scares, rationing, scarcity of food, aluminum drives and everyone working together to support the military.
Then …read more

QuiltingAndPatchwork.com

Remembering 9/11 occurred across the country today. 
 At the school where I was substitute teaching, the students and faculty gathered at the flag pole in front of the building.  Police and firemen from the community, along with other citizens joined them for a short talk, pledge of allegiance, and to sing “This Land is Your Land.”
On 9/11/01, I also was substitute teaching, in first grade that day, when the principal stopped by my room and handed me a note, mentioning what was happening and that the television in the teacher’s room was on.  Until we knew more, we weren’t to alarm …read more

Although Beth and I haven’t made anything specific for Memorial Day this year in our quilting and fabric arts world, we are commemorating by flying “Uncle Al’s Flag” from our deck railing.
 This is a large flag given to our family when my Uncle Al died.  He was a World War II veteran who served in the Pacific Theater.  The flag was draped over his casket at his funeral.  Three veterans attended and presented the flag to my mom, Al’s sister, at the cemetery. 
(I’ve written a story, published in two anthologies, about this flag and it’s meaning to our family.)
As I’ve researched my …read more